Entries by Robyn Stratton-Berkessel

New literacies for life – a set of skills, tools and principles that will guide us in the 21st century. Some think that these literacies are most appropriate for leaders of organizations, but they will work in any set of circumstances in our complex world.

Our questions determine the results we get. If we ask a “blah’ question, you are likely to get a “blah” response – for example, “What’s up?” will generate most likely “Not much!” “Nothing.” “What’s been the best part of your day so far?” is likely to have the respondent unscramble their brain to provide an answer to tell you about the best part of their day. Positive questions are more likely to grow positivity in your life.

From the moment we lined up to register at the local high school shelter, there was a visual smorgasbord of diversity. Young and old, black, white and in-between, two legs, one leg, and four legs – dogs, cats, chickens, parrots, hamsters. Once you registered, you were required to stay the duration – there was no reserving a place just in case. Lights were out at 10 and when lockdown happened there was no leaving the block you lived in.

An exploratory conversation that goes in many directions and leaves us with the question, what is human energy, or relational energy between people. We explore topics, such as empathy, intuition, connection, humanness, curiosity and more.

Appreciative Inquiry Principles offer us a framework to practice our appreciative voice so we can bring more of it to the world. The guiding principles that help us connect with others in ways that serve not only ourselves but others, too.

An appreciative voice provides safety for others to speak their truths. It is invitational and watchful. An appreciative voice is unhurried and patient. It can reframe situations to be helpful and resourceful. It is flexible. The appreciative voice is inclusive. It acknowledges diversity and identifies opportunities to offer possibilities to hold the space for transformational shifts to emerge.

Seasoned practitioner, coach and mentor, Mo McKenna shares insights, innovations and wisdom. She offers you an experience that is similar to when you've been holding breath for far too long, and then the moment of release happens. It's a beautiful release of tension as when you come up for air.

What happens when you walk into the wrong room and find that this “wrong room” becomes, in fact, the best room you could possibly have entered because what you learn there and who you meet change the trajectory of your life. Say yes to everything!

A deep conversation that explores the relationship between finding inner truth and living authentically. We explore such topics as: How do you find you inner truth and what do you do with it? What does it matter? How does it show up in your life? Can you create the perfect life?

Picture this: 300 highly conscious people in the room – many reconnecting – so lots of hugging and laughter – and many making connections for the first time with people they knew only by reputation or virtually. It was joyful. We were excited to come together to inquire into the topic of “Discovering Flourishing Enterprise: the Key to Great Performance.”